51-year-old woman from Lusaka has been committed to the High Court after being charged with manslaughter following the discovery of her husband’s skeletal remains in their home in Garden-Luangwa compound.

Sylvia Mutaba Kalaba was arrested in January 2025 after police uncovered the remains of her husband, George Kalaba, in the house where she lived with her children. Authorities suspect that the alleged crime took place between July 2023 and January 2025.

According to Magistrate Constance Kansankhala, Kalaba faces manslaughter charges under Section 119 of Zambia’s Penal Code. Additionally, three of her children and another suspect are charged with failing to report a death, contrary to Section 9 of the Birth and Death Registration Act, Chapter 51 of the Laws of Zambia.

Meanwhile, State Prosecutor Victor Chongo informed the court that one of the accused, a 15-year-old juvenile, will be released and will no longer face charges. The remaining suspects remain in custody as they await trial in the High Court.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with authorities continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding George Kalaba’s death.